Best Handheld Spider-Man Games

As a seasoned gamer and ardent Spider-Man fan, I have had the pleasure of diving into countless iterations of the wall-crawler’s adventures over the years. Among these, the handheld versions stand out as unique gems that offer an engaging take on the web-slinger’s world.

In many cases, no superhero has transitioned seamlessly into video games as flawlessly as Spider-Man does. Known as Marvel’s favorite hero, Spider-Man consistently demonstrates his ideal fit for gaming through his captivating web-swinging, agile combat sequences, and vivid assortment of villains to confront.

Over the years, blockbuster home console games like those produced by Insomniac featuring Spider-Man have been highly successful. However, Peter Parker’s gaming exploits don’t end there; he’s also had a notable presence in portable gaming systems. From classic adventures to adaptations of popular home console titles, Spider-Man has found himself in all sorts of trouble within the handheld gaming world. Among the numerous games that fit this description, there are some exceptional ones that excel in their portrayal of the New York City superhero.

5 Spider-Man: Friend Or Foe

Provides Colorful Looks At Many Classic Spidey Villains

Best Handheld Spider-Man Games

Release date: October 2, 2007
Handheld platforms: PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Developer: Artificial Mind & Movement

In a playful, family-oriented style, “Spider-Man: Friend or Foe” features well-known enemies of Spiderman. The storyline centers around peculiar creatures called P.H.A.N.T.O.M.s, as Spider-Man teams up with allies to eliminate these strange monsters.

If you played it on PSP, you’ll discover an unexpected playable character: the ruthless Carnage. The addition of one of Spider-Man’s most notorious enemies as a playable character adds unique appeal to this game. With lots of fighting and a bit of mystery to unravel in the storyline, Friend or Foe offers an entertaining break.

4 Spider-Man: Battle For New York

An Action-Packed Look At The Ultimate Universe

Release date: November 14, 2006
Handheld platforms: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
Developer: Torus Games

In this precursor to The Ultimate Spider-Man, titled “Battle for New York,” we see the longstanding rivalry between Spiderman and the Green Goblin unfold. In this storyline, Norman Osborn’s wicked Oz Formula resurfaces, causing trouble once more within the city of New York. This time, it’s used against the very citizens of the city.

Amid hordes of terrifying goblins taking over the city streets, it’s up to Spider-Man to halt his sworn enemy’s destructive assault. Notably, this time around, the Green Goblin serves as a playable character, adding an extra layer of thrill for fans who adore the sinister villain. The DS edition offers a straightforward action-adventure experience, enhanced by its charming characters and an unexpected cameo from The Ultimates.

3 Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows

An Intriguing, Symbiote-Focused Mystery

Release date: October 21, 2008
Handheld platforms: PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS
Developer: Griptonite Games, Amaze Entertainment

In simpler terms, playing the handheld versions of this decision-based Spider-Man game provides a distinct gaming experience compared to the desktop versions. The PlayStation Portable (PSP) version of Web of Shadows, for instance, alters the action because it employs 2.5D graphics.

In both the PSP and Nintendo DS versions, you’ll find unique interpretations of the story, alas with a limitation – fewer conclusion options to explore. However, these handheld editions still deliver an exhilarating journey through a Manhattan overrun by symbiotes. The DS version introduces unexpected allies such as Nightcrawler, an iconic X-Men character, and in a shocking turn of events, the Green Goblin too. With numerous opportunities to dish out web-based beatdowns against Spider-Man’s extensive rogues gallery, Web of Shadows continues to be an engaging web-slinging adventure, irrespective of the platform you choose.

2 Ultimate Spider-Man

A Must-Play For Fans Of The Comic Book Series

Release date: September 22, 2005
Handheld platforms: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, Mobile phone
Developer: Vicarious Visions, Mforma

In the time following its initial release, this adaptation based on the popular comic book series has earned a stellar reputation. The visual style is unique, inspired by Mark Bagley’s comics, and Ultimate Spider-Man chronicles the crime-fighting escapades of Peter Parker as reimagined in the Ultimate universe.

Although the Game Boy Advance version of the game didn’t create a massive impact, the Nintendo DS adaptation truly delivered an enjoyable Spider-Man experience. Featuring a captivating narrative filled with familiar faces from both the hero and villain camps, the game keeps players hooked all through. Not only do you get to control Peter Parker, but also Venom, Eddie Brock’s fearsome alter ego, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

1 Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace

Provides A Great Showcase Of The Titular Villain

Release date: September 18, 2001
Handheld platforms: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Vicarious Visions

After the happenings in “Enter Electro“, this thrilling adventure features Peter Parker squaring off against seven unique adversaries. Filled with engaging cutscenes reminiscent of comic book artwork, “Mysterio’s Menace” unfolds a simple storyline where Spider-Man battles a wave of crime throughout one night.

In addition to the reappearance of Electro, Spider-Man encounters traditional villains like Rhino, Hammerhead, and the main character Mysterio. As typical for games from that era, the game Mysterio’s Menace primarily adopts a side-scrolling style with platform elements. Though simple in design, it’s enjoyable and focused, making it another well-executed installment in the classic early 2000s series featuring Mysterio.

2024-08-03 09:04